Muslim cleric blasted for claiming racism from West could have prompted Paris attacks

A SENIOR Muslim cleric has come under fire for appearing to blame the West for the Paris terror attacks.

The grand mufti said Islamophobia and racism could have caused the terror attacks

Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed’s seemed to justify the actions of seven terrorists who opened fire on hundreds of innocent people and activated suicide bombs, claiming Islamophobia and racism were behind the Paris terror attacks.

His comments were condemned by government figures who said it was a “very poor message” to send and that he could be seen as an apologist.

The Grand Mufti of Australia issued the controversial statement on Sunday evening, less than two days after the atrocities which have left 129 dead in the French capital and scores more seriously injured.

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He said: ”These recent incidents highlight the fact that current strategies to deal with the threat of terrorism are not working.

“It is therefore imperative that all causative factors such as racism, Islamophobia, curtailing freedoms through securitisation, duplicitous foreign policies and military intervention must be comprehensively addressed.”

The comments were widely criticised by government figures and media commentators.

For the grand mufti to come out and make a statement of that sort when we don't have the details of what has gone on, it's disappointing

Ikebal Patel, former president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils

He said: "I've condemned the comments and I think they are a very poor message to young Muslims and to people of good faith across the country.

"The opportunity is there today for the grand mufti to come out and clarify his comments and make it very clear that he condemns these acts of terrorism, these murderous acts, without reservation as other leaders have done.”

Treasurer Scott Morrison said: "Australians were let down by the mufti."

Ikebal Patel, former president of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, said the grand mufti could be viewed as an apologist for the attackers because of the statement.

He said: ”For the grand mufti to come out and make a statement of that sort when we don't have the details of what has gone on, it's disappointing.”

The grand mufti has not yet responded to requests for a comment.

But Muslim-Australian Jamal Rifi defended Dr Mohammed. He said: "I know the history of this man. He has condemned terrorism all his life in English and in Arabic."